The man drove a blue SUV and collided with the cable car at Geary and Powell streets at 10 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

The man, who is not identified, was subdued and "detained" by bystanders until police arrived. The operator of the cable car, 43, was transported to an area hospital after complaining of pain to his shoulder, the newspaper reported.

There were 15 passengers on the cable car but only the operator was injured. The line reopened later that night, according to a Muni spokesman.